LeapPop on International Success & How Hip Hop Relates To The Gaming Industry
Originally from Rabat, Morocco, but now based in Paris, France, LeapPop aka Youssef Zerouali started making music at the young age of 12. Driven by his creativity, he was attracted to the freedom and possibilities of Hip Hop culture from an early age, using this passion as a form of escape from his day-to-day struggles with academia. Music was his escape from the idea of settling down into a normal life with a normal job, and his energy went into caving a future career that could open up new paths for him and allow him to do what he loves.
His music is a mix between Atlanta trap and Soundcloud rap. Influenced by a wealth of artists from Lil Mosey and Smooke Margielaa to Lil Uzi Vert and Speaker Knockerz, LeapPop's music is full of toplines and rhythms that will stick in your head. To date, he has currently released twenty-seven singles, slowly but surely building his portfolio before potentially tackling an album in the future.
LeapPop's work is also multidisciplinary. He is currently collaborating with his best friend Nabil in Paris to revolutionize the visual aspects of LeapPop. Together they work closely to design the artwork for each single, unearthing new dimensions to the project and using this as an additional expression of their creativity. On the side, Youssef is also an active member of the video game industry, specializing in mobile games. These two passions combine, and he has previously created music to compliment the gameplay of certain games for promotional purposes.
Learn more about international music's next rising star, in this exclusive interview where LeapPop discusses how he got his name, the contrasts and similarities between Hip Hop and the gaming industry, as well as the power of perseverance. Right now and only only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Thanks for coming thru! You’re fresh off the release of your new project, “LeapPop”. What does it’s title mean to you?
Thanks for the invitation. My artist name comes from the words Leap, which means to take a leap of faith, and Pop , which means to make it in the game. It also sounds catchy, so it’s cool.
It’s artwork, as well as the artwork from your last few singles is very dope. How do you come up with the concepts?
I work closely with my homie N-Money, who is in charge of the visual aspect of the project. We are building a strong graphical universe that relates to the artistic themes approached in the project.
Basically to make an artwork, I have a general idea of a vibe, then N-Money does the drawings with his style. Usually we want to have something that catches the eyes of the audience and make them interested in the project.
The idea is to have dope individual artwork, but also a strong consistency from one artwork to another.
So, you’re from Morocco, but currently based in Paris. What sparked your move to France?
I wanted a better life. So, I moved to Paris where I studied Game Design and made music for fun.
How would you say the international music scene is compared to trying to make it in your own city?
It’s very different. Since people don’t speak the same language in the world, it all comes down to the rhythm and the general vibes of a song. Mumbling is very practical for this, because you don’t have to understand the lyrics to enjoy it, it’s all about the melody. I’m not trying to make it in my own city, I’m tryin' to make it in the whole world.
Sometimes the ride is better than the destination.
Tell us more about your come up, and how you got started with your career.
It started when I was little, making beats and trying to find catchy melodies for fun. I learned to mix my stuff, but I was barely experienced until I met a friend in Paris who owned his own studio. I spent a lot of free time there, helping him mix customer's vocals and producing, recording, and mixing my own music. I decided to take it a step further because I realized my shit was professional, by buying my own studio equipment and doing it all by my own. I took a gamble and it’s paying off.
You’ve cited Lil Uzi Vert, Speaker Knockerz and Lil Mosey as early influences. What do you respect about their artistry the most?
They have their very own unique universes and don’t try to appeal to a general audience, I respect that. I discovered those artists at a critical point in my life, and they helped me a lot going through this phase.
At what point in your career did know you were on the right path?
There is no right or wrong path, it’s always a gamble. One day I'ma die, and the important thing is to try and do everything I can and have no regrets. Sometimes the ride is better than the destination.
Aside from making dope music, you’re also an active member or the video game industry. Can you tell us more about your role in the industry?
I work as a marketing game developer in the video game industry. It’s a very creative and fulfilling job, even though it can be a bit stressful sometimes.
What similarities and differences have you noticed between the video game and Hip Hop industry?
This is a good ass question. Both industries share the same main issue: it is very difficult to get into it. You have to stand out from the crowd to get noticed, and put a ridiculous amount of work.
There’s this myth that says that if you don’t have connections in the industry, you won’t make it. It’s false for both video games and music. You can have all the connections you want, if you got no skill, you won’t make it.
Everything comes naturally after you put on the work. However, both industries allows you to express yourself creatively and make a living from your passion.
Don’t let nobody tell you what to do with your life!
Where do you want to be in your life and career 3 years from now?
Alive hahaha. And still making dope music.
Anything else we should know?
Check out "Bum Bam", my new single on Spotify and YouTube. And don’t let nobody tell you what to do with your life! Peace.
